Goals from Lee Connor and Damien Melvin secured the friendly victory which was the result of an impressive team effort.

"It was a really good work out and I am very pleased," said Brier.

"The fitness levels are good and the quality we have in the squad really showed.

"I would say we had 80 per cent of the play against a side that whacked us last season in a League Cup game."

Town took the game to the home side from the start with Ryan Farrell, playing up front with Wayne Crossley, heading wide early in the game.

And they went ahead after 25 minutes when Connor rose to head home a Mark Brady free kick.

Crossley, who had earlier provided a cross from which Steve Ward went close, was only denied a second when the Nostell keeper recovered well to save.

As expected, the home side came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half.

And 10 minutes after the restart they levelled when experienced frontman Graham Marchant fired home.

But that was effectively the end of the home challenge as Brighouse reasserted their authority with Andy Philps, Lee Malcher and Melvin all impressing.

They were rewarded with 15 minutes remaining when Kieran Corley released Watson down the flank and he crossed for Melvin to score.

Town might have added a third, but Watson was denied by a defender after being set up by Andy Markham and Connor hit the post from a half cleared corner.

Youngster Khurram Shazad, who had been expected to play last night was unable to travel to the game and will now get his chance when Town travel to Padiham on Saturday.